Moto-4 Piston on 2040-parts.com

GM preps for new engines, 8-speed transmission

General Motors is spending $332 million to upgrade powertrain plants in three states to build a new eight-speed automatic transmission, a new V6 and a new family of small-displacement gasoline engines. The plants are in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. GM is also adding $46 million to an earlier $600 million program to upgrade powertrain plants in Saginaw and Romulus, Mich.

Renault replaces Scenic with Renault Scenic XMOD Crossover

The Renault Scenic is no more, to be replaced by a rufty-tufty crossover with a raised ride height called the Renault Scenic XMOD. But Renault think they have the answer to the problem and are following the lead of partner Nissan – who junked their mainstream cars and replaced them with crossovers (step forward the Qashqai and Juke) – by dumping the Scenic and replacing it with the Scenic XMOD. The Renault Scenic XMOD isn’t a new car, but the Scenic with a facelift, raised ride height, butch bolt on bits and a nod to 4WD with a new Grip Xtend Traction control system.

Fiat 500 CULT & 105HP TwinAir headline 2014 Fiat 500 updates: Geneva Motor Show

The Fiat 500 CULT (pictured) arrives to top the 500 range The revived Fiat 500 has been with us for some time as Fiat’s take on the MINI retro revival, and it’s still appealing and relevant. It’s already spawned a convertible 500, Abarth 500, 500L and the soon to arrive 500X (which will also spawn the new Jeep Renegade) and now it’s time for a bit of a minor upgrade and makeover for 2014. Headlining the new offerings for the 500 for 2014 is the arrival of the Fiat 500 CULT to top the range, taking the Lounge Spec and adding in stuff like new 16″ alloys, fixed glass sunroof, Blue&Me, Chrome detailing, rear parking sensors and leather interior.